With the objective of promoting learning about technology, along with the curricular integration of scientific areas, such as engineering, mathematical concepts, science (STEM) and programming, Colegio Interamericano has started the Educational Robotics Pilot Project.
One grade of each level will be participating by using the robots and dynamic construction models with the K’nex and NXT robots. The pilot project will last 2 months and the expectation during this time is that the students will receive the benefits of an active learning process, develop their social and motor skills, experiment, solve problems, follow instructions, think critically, and practice programming among others.
By the end of the project, the technology teachers of each level along with the Manager of Educational Technology will evaluate the impact, reach, and benefits that the program had. The progress of the students will also be evaluated with the objective of continuing and growing the robotics program in our school.
This project is happening thanks to the general director, school principals, as well as the technology teachers, who shared their thoughts on the program:
– Lisbeth de Álvarez, PK to Grade 3 Technology teacher:
“We hope that our children are not only users of technology, but also that they become technology developers. Robotics is a learning method in which we facilitate the learning of different concepts in a fun way to our students. Educational Robotics develops creativity, collaboration, provides the opportunity to work with others and make decisions as a team by listening, discussing, and respecting everyone’s ideas. I am confident that our kids will enjoy this new experience in the classroom.”
– Gerald Schaeffer, Grade 4 to Grade 8 Technology teacher:
“Technology has developed with giant steps in our society and it demands our students to have more abilities, not only as users or digital citizens, but as creators and developers of technology. Educational robotics allows us to increase those skills in our students, starting with assembling the pieces, going through the design process, and finally using a specific coding language to program a specific task the robot has to execute. The educational robotics program we are implementing in the school is also allowing us to develop personal abilities in the students, such as teamwork, setting goals, and the integration of abilities with subjects like math and physics.”
– Rafael Murga, Grade 9 to Grade 12 Technology teacher:
“An integrated, new, and dynamic learning environment is created with educational robotics. Theory knowledge of math, mechanics, electronics, physics, and programming are applied when the robot is assembled and when it is programmed to execute basic and complex tasks.”
Written by: Luis Masaya
Manager of Educational Technology/LMC Coordinator
luis.masaya@interamericano.edu.gt